media eventhttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/9363/all
enApple Officially Announces October 16 Media Eventhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_officially_announces_october_16_media_event
<!--paging_filter--><p>"It's been way too long," read the invitations Apple sent out this morning for its upcoming media event, and the invitations themselves confirm some <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_said_hold_event_ipads_imacs_and_yosemite_october_16" target="_blank">rumors we've heard </a>over the last few days. As expected, Apple's next big event will take place at the company's Town Hall auditorium on its Cupertino campus on October 16, and it'll start at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time.</p><p>Most commentators currently agree that the event will likely showcase new iPad models that support Touch ID, along with associated refreshes for the iPad Air and the iPad mini. On the desktop front, we'll likely see the introduction of new 27-inch iMac models boasting <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/morning_report_samsung_cries_foul_over_iphone_6_plus_5k_mac_monitor_rumor" target="_blank">5K Retina displays</a>, as well as a rumored refresh for the somewhat neglected Mac Mini.</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2014/10/appleevent_0.jpg" width="620" height="334" /></p><p><span style="text-align: right;">It's also quite likely the event will mark the official release of Mac OS X Yosemite, as Apple appears to be in the </span><a style="text-align: right;" href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_releases_golden_master_candidate_mac_os_x_yosemite" target="_blank">final stages</a><span style="text-align: right;"> of squashing remaining bugs and honing the rough edges of existing features. And while it's no means a given, the event could mark Apple Pay's official release out into the wild.</span></p><p>In contrast to the fanfare of last month's iPhone 6 and Apple Watch reveal, the October event is thought to be a much more "laid-back" affair, and the location seems to support such claims. As always, we'll be on hand to relay information as we receive it through articles right here on MacLife.com, and we'll let you know if there's a livestream you can tune into as well.</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_officially_announces_october_16_media_event#commentsNews5KApple PayiMaciPadMacmedia eventOS XretinarevealTown HallyosemiteWed, 08 Oct 2014 21:47:18 +0000Leif Johnson20749 at http://www.maclife.comApple Building Massive Mystery Side Stage for Sept. 9 Media Eventhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_building_massive_mystery_side_stage_sept_9_media_event
<!--paging_filter--><p>This morning Apple<a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/big_apple_event_confirmed_sept_9" target="_blank"> started sending out invitations</a> confirming that there will, indeed, be a media event on September 9. In all likelihood, we'll finally get to see the iPhone 6 and the fabled "iWatch" then. And in sharp contrast to another announcements Apple's made in the past, the company is apparently building a mysterious auxiliary stage.</p><p>That stage is reportedly off to the side of the main event at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts. It's not a small thing — according to eyewitness accounts at <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/big_apple_event_confirmed_sept_9" target="_blank">MacRumors</a>, it measures a full three stories. "Scads" of security personnel are said to protect the thing, and the company is keeping it wrapped under a white barricade. When asked what it was for, the security team simply responded: "We are not at liberty to discuss that due to client wishes."</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2014/08/flintcenter.jpg" width="620" height="465" /></p><p><strong>Source: <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2014/08/28/apple-flint-center-structure-iphone-6/" target="_blank">MacRumors</a></strong></p><p>Here's where things get interesting. Steve Jobs first unveiled the Mac at the Flint Center way back in 1984, and the building itself serves as the main theater for De Anza College, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak's alma mater. It also seats considerably more people that San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. All three facts seem to indicate that Apple expects to be the unveiling to mark a milestone in the company's history.</p><p>It's possible that the stage may have something to do with the unveiling of the "iWatch" — perhaps in the form of an athletic demonstration of the health-sensor activities. It also may serve as a demonstration area for iOS 8's HomeKit capabilities. Earlier today <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-28/apple-bets-iphone-magic-will-spill-over-to-wearables.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a> also added strength to reports that Apple's long-awaited wearable would be revealed at the event, and <em><a href="http://www.wired.com/2014/08/iphone-6-to-use-nfc/" target="_blank">Wired </a></em>added credence to <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/leaked_logic_boards_iphone_6_may_confirm_nfc_rumors" target="_blank">yesterday's report</a> that the iPhone 6 would support NFC payments.</p><p>(Also, as a bit of humor? According to<a href="http://www.cultofmac.com/293138/apples-iphone-6-event-host-hasnt-updated-website-15-years/" target="_blank"> Cult of Mac</a>, the Flint Center hasn't updated its website since around the time of the reveal of the iMac.)</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_building_massive_mystery_side_stage_sept_9_media_event#commentsNewsfitnessiphoneiphone 6iWatchmedia eventNFCSept. 9September 9Thu, 28 Aug 2014 23:16:18 +0000Leif Johnson20546 at http://www.maclife.comApple Said to Reveal 'iPhone 6' During Sept. 9 Media Eventhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_said_reveal_iphone_6_during_sept_9_media_event
<!--paging_filter--><p>Looks like we might not have to wait until October to see if all those rumors about the iPhone 6 are true, after all. According to a report from the usually reliable John Paczkowski of <a href="http://recode.net/2014/08/05/codered-apple-to-hold-iphone-event-on-sept-9/" target="_blank"><em>Re/code</em></a>, Apple will hold its announcement event for the device on September 9. The <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/08/05/apple-to-introduce-new-iphones-at-sept-9-event/" target="_blank"><em>Wall Street Journal</em></a> and <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-05/apple-said-to-debut-new-bigger-screen-iphones-on-sept-9.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a> have since lent credibility to the rumor with reports of their own.</p><p>The site echoes earlier rumors in its report, stating that the event will feature iPhones that are "4.7 and 5.5 inches and run speedy new A8 processors." It's worth noting that <em>Re/code</em>'s sources seemingly don't think the long-rumored delays surrounding the 5.5 inch model will impact the device's launch as the report makes no mention of separate announcement dates for the two iPhones.</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2014/08/iphone-6-mockups.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></p><p><strong>Source: <a href="http://mashable.com/2014/06/30/iphone-6-mockups/" target="_blank">Mashable</a></strong></p><p>So we may have our announcement date, but we still don't know when the long-awaited device will actually launch. If Apple holds true to its own traditions, it shouldn't be long after. The Cupertino company traditionally launches new iPhones around a week to 10 days after it announces them, meaning that we'll likely see the phones hit shelves sometime around Friday, September 19.</p><p><em>Re/code</em> reached out to Apple for confirmation, but (understandably) the company hasn't responded. For what it's worth, <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2014/07/23/apple-tentatively-plans-mid-september-iphone-event-as-ios-8-nears-completion/" target="_blank"><em>9to5Mac</em></a> cited a rumor from its own sources earlier this month that the event would take place in "mid-September."</p><p><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', lucida, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">For more iPhone 6 info, take a look at our expanded list of news and rumors&nbsp;</span><a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #0099cc; text-decoration: none; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', lucida, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" href="http://www.maclife.com/article/iphone/iphone-6-features-rumors-release-date" target="_self">here</a><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', lucida, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">.</span></p><p><em>Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_said_reveal_iphone_6_during_sept_9_media_event#commentsNewsannouncementiphoneiphone 6media eventRumorsspeculationTim CookTue, 05 Aug 2014 22:43:28 +0000Leif Johnson20428 at http://www.maclife.comRumor: iPad 5 May Have a Microsoft Surface-Style External Keyboardhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/rumor_ipad_5_may_have_microsoft_surfacestyle_external_keyboard
<!--paging_filter--><p>So it turns out—maybe, possibly—that Apple's "We still have a lot to cover" slogan for tomorrow's event might have a double meaning after all. <a href="http://www.cultofmac.com/250439/new-ipad-5-could-come-with-microsoft-surface-style-itouch-keyboard/" target="_blank">Cult of Mac</a> reports that blogger (and former Apple employee) <a href="http://jamieryan.co.uk/post/64491185658/apple-might-making-a-new-ipad-keyboard" target="_blank">Jamie Ryan</a> suggests that tomorrow's event could see the release of a "keyboard" cover such as we see with the Microsoft Surface.</p><p>That would make sense, particularly since it seems as though the flagship iPad's strongest market consists of users who want to replace their laptops with Apple's tablet. (As a person who's using his iPhone with a <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/bluetooth_illuminated_keyboard_k810_review" target="_blank">Bluetooth keyboard</a> for that very purpose at this very second, I'd also like to see some kind of mouse support. Dream on, right?)</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2013/10/appleinvite_0.jpg" width="620" height="611" /></p><p>Such a move would allow a concrete difference between the iPad mini and its larger cousin, as right now the only real difference comes down to size. Ryan claims that Apple has been working on such keyboards for some time, but the trouble is that such ideas are apparently tossed around all the time.</p><p>"Now I must stress that what was seen were only prototypes and they might never get to see the light of day," he said. "Apple regularly mocks up all sorts of accessories and products and ditches them. 1000 no's for every yes, etc."</p><p>And then, of course, there's the image problem. Considering how many accusations of "copying" are flying around the smartphone and tablet industries these days, such a move would undoubtedly raise eyebrows at Microsoft and its supporters.</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/rumor_ipad_5_may_have_microsoft_surfacestyle_external_keyboard#commentsNewsappleiOS 7iPadmedia eventRumorsMon, 21 Oct 2013 22:41:42 +0000Leif Johnson18379 at http://www.maclife.comApple TV Shortages in Germany, France May Hint At Update on October 22http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_tv_shortages_germany_france_may_hint_update_october_22
<!--paging_filter--><p>The past year has been full of all kinds of surprises for Apple TV, and each new app and service improvement seems to suggest that Apple wants to consider the diminutive device more than a "hobby." According to <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/18/amazon-germany-france-apple-tv-listed-out-of-stock-until-day-after-apple-event/" target="_blank">Engadget</a>, Apple may even be about to make a bolder step with the device. As of right now the Amazon listing for Apple TV is marked as <a href="http://www.amazon.de/Apple-TV-Generation-1080p-schwarz/dp/B007IH5L7A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1382088076&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Apple+TV" target="_blank">sold out in Germany</a>, and the one in <a href="http://www.amazon.fr/Apple-MD199FD-Passerelle-Multim%C3%A9dia-HDMI/dp/B007IH5L7A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1382088036&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Apple+TV" target="_blank">France</a> (which was sold out earlier) has been restocked with third-party suppliers.</p><p>Here's the clincher--the date listed for the restock at the German site is October 23, precisely a day after Apple's big media event scheduled for next Tuesday. This could all just be an extreme coincidence, but it also mimics <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/macbook_air_shortages_may_hint_new_release_wwdc" target="_blank">similar shortages of Apple products</a> that occur on the eve of major updates. The current Apple TV is a scrappy little device that does its job well, but with increasing pressure from other units, Apple may see this as a good time to step up its game.</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2013/10/amazonfrance.jpg" width="620" height="340" /></p><p>The last major update for the device was during March 2012, which added a tough new processor in addition to 1080p playback support. Throughout 2013, Apple has brought new channels such as <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/hbo_go_watchespn_other_apps_come_apple_tv" target="_blank">HBO Go and WatchESPN</a> to the the device, as well as a new "<a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/itunes_radio_conference_room_display_come_apple_tv_beta" target="_blank">conference room</a>" mode and programmable options through iOS.</p><p>It could just be an accident, it could just be smoke and mirrors, but with the big event only a handful of days away, you might find it's in your best interested to wait out the next few days so we may see what Apple has of its sleeves if you're in the market for one.</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_tv_shortages_germany_france_may_hint_update_october_22#commentsNewsAmazon.comappleApple TVmedia eventRumorsspeculationFri, 18 Oct 2013 23:50:35 +0000Leif Johnson18362 at http://www.maclife.comAs Expected, Apple to Hold Next Media Event on October 22http://www.maclife.com/article/news/expected_apple_hold_next_media_event_october_22
<!--paging_filter--><p>It looks as though <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/next_apple_event_expected_october_22_focus_ipads" target="_blank">earlier reports</a> from both AllThingD and Jim Dalrymple of The Loop were right. As announced by Apple itself today, the Cupertino giant will hold its next media event on October 22. The event, which Apple will hold at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, will kick off at 10 A.M. Pacific/1 P.M. Eastern.</p><p>As we stated before, the event will likely focus on the new iPad models. We'll likely see a new version of the flagship device that looks something like a giant iPad mini, while the iPad mini itself will hopefully sport the Retina display so many of us have long hoped for.</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2013/10/appleinvite.jpg" width="620" height="611" /></p><p>Apple could have some other surprises up its sleeve. At the very least, we'll likely learn about the improvements to Apple TV, as well as additions to iWork and new hardware like the redesigned Mac Pro which was announced earlier in the year. And maybe, just maybe, Apple will prove that it can still awe us with "one more thing."</p><p>If all these speculations hold true, we can probably expect to see the new iPads around the beginning of November--roughly a week after the Apple event. As always, we'll be cranking out coverage of the event as it happens, and we'll also supply links for livestreaming on the day before (if they exist).</p><p><em>Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/expected_apple_hold_next_media_event_october_22#commentsNewsappleiPadiphoneiPodMacMac ProMavericksmedia eventTue, 15 Oct 2013 23:42:50 +0000Leif Johnson18327 at http://www.maclife.comNexus 7 Refresh Incoming, Already Available for Best Buy Preorderhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/nexus_7_refresh_incoming_already_available_best_buy_preorder
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/nexus_7_refresh_at_best_buy_620px.png" alt="Nexus 7 BestBuy.com preorder" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>If you even casually follow the Android platform, you've no doubt heard that Google is about to refresh its popular Asus-made Nexus 7 tablet, which is already up for preorder even before it's announced.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/24/4551878/new-nexus-7-best-buy-pre-order-details-specs-price" target="_blank">The Verge reported Wednesday</a> that Best Buy is now taking preorders for an updated version of Google's Nexus 7 tablet, mere hours before the folks in Mountain View actually have a chance to confirm its existence at a press event today.<br /><br />Short of Gizmodo getting its hands on the iPhone 4, the new Nexus 7 has to be one of tech's worst-kept secrets, with new leaks flowing out of the internet on a near daily basis for the last couple of weeks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nexus+7+7+inch+Tablet+with+16GB+Memory/1484847.p?id=1219052238174&amp;skuId=1484847&amp;st=nexus%207&amp;cp=1&amp;lp=1" target="_blank">Starting at $229.99 for 16GB</a> (with a <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nexus+7+7+inch+Tablet+with+32GB+Memory/1484865.p?id=1219052239315&amp;skuId=1484865&amp;st=nexus%207&amp;cp=1&amp;lp=2" target="_blank">32GB model priced at $269.99</a>), the latest Nexus 7 is rumored to pack a 1920 x 1200 display with 323ppi pixel density, 2GB RAM and a quad-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 8064 processor. Unlike last year's model, the new version comes standard with a 5MP rear camera as well as the front-facing shooter for video chat.</p><p>The whole kit and caboodle is powered by a fresh new build of Android 4.3, which is widely expected to retain the Jelly Bean name that's already been with us for more than a year now. Curiously, the preorder page shown above features an old version of the Nexus 7 wallpaper — but click to view it larger and you'll note the yellow, green and blue wallpaper rumored to be the default for Android 4.3.<br /><br />Heard enough to make you want to buy one? Then head over to BestBuy.com, but take note: There's no option for in-store pickup quite yet, though that's likely to change once Google executives leave the stage at today's media event.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/nexus_7_refresh_incoming_already_available_best_buy_preorder#commentsNewsAndroid 4.3android tabletsAsusbest buyGoogleGoogle Nexus 7leaksmedia eventNexus 7preordersRumorsiPadWed, 24 Jul 2013 13:02:35 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17610 at http://www.maclife.comFacebook Announces "New Home on Android" Event for April 4http://www.maclife.com/article/news/facebook_announces_new_home_android_event_april_4
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/facebook_new_home_on_android_invite_200px.png" alt="Come See Our New Home on Android" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />For what seems like forever, Facebook has rumored to be developing a smartphone built around its service -- and come April 4, those rumors may finally become reality at long last.<br /><br /><a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/03/28/facebook-android-phone/" target="_blank">TechCrunch is reporting</a> that Facebook has sent media invitations for an event the company is hosting at its Menlo Park, California headquarters on Thursday, April 4 at 10am PST.<br /><br />"Come See Our New Home on Android," the invitation teases, immediately fueling speculation that the social network could introduce a dedicated Facebook smartphone, which has been widely rumored to be built by HTC.<br /><br />"Imagine Facebook’s integration with iOS 6, but on steroids, and built by Facebook itself," the report speculates. "Rumors we’ve heard say that the project could actually be called 'Facebook Home,' and its hallmark would be a heavily Facebook-ified mobile phone home screen. This could include Facebook news feed stories and data splayed out right on the home screen, along with easy access to Facebook apps."<br /><br />One thing appears to be certain: Whatever it is that Facebook is working on, it's built upon Android. The specific mention of Google's mobile OS suggests that Facebook doesn't plan to bury Android under its own forked version as Amazon's Kindle Fire has, but rather complement the stock OS in any number of ways.<br /><br />Facebook certainly has a lot of the pieces in place to pull this off, having recently introduced VoIP calling and dedicated apps for messaging. We'll know for sure in less than a week, at any rate…<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of TechCrunch)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/facebook_announces_new_home_android_event_april_4#commentsNewsandroidFacebookGooglehtcinvitationsiOS 6media eventRumorssmartphonessocial networkingvoip callsiPhoneFri, 29 Mar 2013 11:35:54 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16609 at http://www.maclife.comT-Mobile's New Rate Plans Already Live Ahead of Tuesday Eventhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/tmobiles_new_rate_plans_already_live_ahead_tuesday_event
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/t-mobile_logo_200px.png" alt="T-Mobile logo" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />New rate plans must not be all that T-Mobile USA plans to announce at an event on Tuesday, since they're already showing their hand by introducing them on the web over the weekend.<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/TmoNews/status/315876907981873153" target="_blank"><br />As first noted by a Twitter post from TmoNews</a>, T-Mobile USA's new "Simple Choice" rate plans have <a href="http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/individual-plans.aspx" target="_blank">now shown up on the company's website</a>, offering unlimited talk, text plus 500MB of high-speed 4G data starting at $50 per month.<br /><br />Better yet, all of the company's new metered data plans include Smartphone Mobile HotSpot for device tethering -- the only time you'll need to pay extra for that is should you choose one of the carrier's new unlimited plans, which start at $70 per month. But even then, T-Mobile includes 500MB of hotspot-specific data, which is perfect for occasional users.<br /><br />The savings really add up when applied to family plans -- for example, a AT&amp;T Mobile Share plan with four lines and 4GB of data runs around $240 per month, while the same T-Mobile plan with unlimited data would cost a whopping $60 less.<br /><br />Of course, the rub is that the iPhone isn't officially supported yet -- you'll need an unlocked handset to take advantage of it, and there's no 4G LTE as yet. But with T-Mobile holding a media event on Tuesday, we imagine there could be more good news in store for users soon enough…<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/tmobiles_new_rate_plans_already_live_ahead_tuesday_event#commentsNews4Gfamily plansmedia eventpersonal hotspotrate plansT-Mobileunlimited dataunlimited talkunlimited textiPhoneMon, 25 Mar 2013 13:20:13 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16566 at http://www.maclife.comRumor: Facebook Messenger for iPad Arriving on Tuesdayhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/rumor_facebook_messenger_ipad_arriving_tuesday
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/facebook_messenger_200px.png" alt="Facebook Messenger" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />There's been a lot of activity in the instant messaging space lately, with Microsoft rolling its MSN Messenger into Skype and Facebook increasing the ways mobile users can communicate -- which could soon include the iPad.<br /><a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/13/messenger-for-ipad-one-more-thing-facebook-could-be-unveiling-on-tuesday/" target="_blank"><br />TechCrunch reported Sunday</a> that Facebook may have some good news for iPad owners come Tuesday, when the company is holding an event for the media to "come and see what we're building."<br /><br />According to a source close to the project, that may include an iPad-native version of the company's own Messenger app, which is currently limited to the iPhone and iPod touch (assuming you don't want to run it in 2x mode, that is).<br /><br />Of course, Messenger for iPad isn't likely to be the headliner at the event, but the source claims the app is "totally" ready to launch on Tuesday. Facebook appears to be positioning Messenger as an all-out communications app, most recently dabbing in video chat and voice messages with a recent update.<br /><br />So what else can we expect to see tomorrow? The legendary Facebook phone could be the "big deal" of the event, along with "a slew of ads and other improvements" that may be less exciting for iPad users.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/rumor_facebook_messenger_ipad_arriving_tuesday#commentsNewsAnnouncementsApp StoreFacebookFacebook Messengerinstant messagingipad nativemedia eventRumorsiPadMon, 14 Jan 2013 14:22:30 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15988 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: Android Event October 29, Infinity Blade Delay, 32GB Nexus 7http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_android_event_october_29_infinity_blade_delay_32gb_nexus_7
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/google_10-29-12_invite_200px.png" alt="Google October 29 invite" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Monday, October 29 is shaping up to be the Thunderdome of smartphone-related events, with both Microsoft and now Google hosting pow-wows on the same date to show off their latest Windows Phone 8 and Android products, respectively. Two smartphone platforms enter… one smartphone platform leaves? We'll find out soon enough.</p><h3>Google Announces NYC Android Event on October 29</h3><p><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/17/3519032/google-android-event-oct-29-announcement" target="_blank">The Verge reported late Wednesday</a> that Google has announced a media event on Monday, October 29 at 10am EST in New York City. If that date sounds familiar, it's because Microsoft already has an event of their own on the calendar for that date to officially roll out Windows Phone 8, right on the heels of Windows 8's October 26 debut. Google's invitation teases "the playground is open" and confirms the event is all about Android, which puts its squarely in competition with Microsoft's shindig. There have already been rumors about an LG Nexus smartphone on the horizon, so it seems likely that may be the focus of Google's event, which will be streamed live via YouTube.</p><h3>Bummer! Infinity Blade Sequel Bumped to Next Year</h3><p><a href="http://allthingsd.com/20121017/infinity-blade-sequel-wont-ship-until-next-year/" target="_blank">AllThingsD was the first to pass along the bad news</a> that Epic Games' new Infinity Blade: Dungeons will be delayed until 2013. Despite a preview of the iOS game shown off back in March at Apple's "new iPad" announcement, it seems Epic adding the extra hands of Impossible Studios is to blame for the tardiness. “Ever since the talented team at Impossible Studios got their hands on Infinity Blade: Dungeons, they’ve been busy adding their great ideas to the game,” spokesman Wes Phillips explained. “There was also the matter of getting the Impossible Studios team up and running with desks, chairs, staplers and computers. The logistics of a new studio and implementing all these great ideas required a little extra time, so Infinity Blade: Dungeons will hit iOS in 2013.” Guess we'll have to find something else to usher in the New Year with...</p><h3>$249 32GB Nexus 7 Tablet Leaked</h3><p><a href="http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/10/international-tablet-of-mystery-249-32gb-nexus-7-leaks-appear/" target="_blank">Ars Technica is reporting</a> that a 32GB Nexus 7 appears to be all but certain following a series of retail leaks, including a screenshot of the larger-capacity model on the Staples website. For those who haven't bought one yet, it appears the 32GB model will actually be sold for the same $249 as the original 16GB version, which has led to speculation that the 8GB and 16GB models will get pushed downstream at lower prices in an effort to better compete with Amazon's new $159 Kindle Fire. If you're ready to pull the trigger on a Nexus 7, it might be worth it to put those plans on hold for just a bit -- especially with a Google media event right around the corner on October 29.</p><h3>Angry AT&amp;T Customer Files FCC Complaint Over FaceTime Policy</h3><p>Well, this was inevitable: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/consumer-fcc-complaint-att-facetime-2012-10" target="_blank">BusinessInsider is reporting</a> that an irritated AT&amp;T customer still clinging to his unlimited data plan has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission over the carrier's blockade on FaceTime over cellular. Apparently this San Francisco architect didn't realize that using Apple's video chat feature with a cellular connection required him to abandon unlimited data, so he's bending the ear of the FCC in the hopes they'll apply pressure to Ma Bell. The unnamed customer is also encouraging others to do the same <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/complaints" target="_blank">using the FCC website</a>, which he claims "was surprisingly easy to do." Whether anything will come of it is another situation entirely...</p><h3>Inside the Google Data Centers</h3><p>Ever wonder where the information you provide to Google goes? If so, <a href="http://www.google.com/about/datacenters/inside/" target="_blank">the search giant has a pretty cool new section on its website</a> with a gallery of images from their data centers worldwide. "Where the internet lives," the site teases. "Take a look inside Google's high-tech data centers." <a href="http://www.google.com/about/datacenters/gallery/#/" target="_blank">The gallery is broken into three categories</a>: The Tech, The People and The Places, and even includes a map of data center locations around the world -- ironically, none of which reside in Mountain View, California.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em>(Image courtesy of The Verge)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_android_event_october_29_infinity_blade_delay_32gb_nexus_7#commentsNewsandroidAT&TData CenterFCC complaintsGoogleinfinity blade dungeonsmedia eventNexus 7overnight recapiPadiPhoneThu, 18 Oct 2012 12:16:22 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15344 at http://www.maclife.comScott Forstall Shows Off iOS 6, Available September 19http://www.maclife.com/article/news/scott_forstall_shows_ios_6_available_september_19
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/ios_6_logo_temp_200px.png" alt="iOS 6" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Following the introduction of the iPhone 5 at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco this morning, senior VP of iOS Scott Forstall takes the stage to show off additional features coming to iOS 6.<br /><br />"We are really excited about iOS 6," exclaims iOS chief Scott Forstall on Wednesday. "It has so many new features in it, and I'd like to demo it here on the iPhone 5."<br /><br />First up is the already-announced turn-by-turn navigation feature of <a href="http://www.apple.com/ios/" target="_blank">iOS 6</a>, including the impressive 3D modeling and satellite imagery first shown at WWDC 2012 back in June.<br /><br />In addition to being able to send a tweet or post to Facebook from iOS 6, Forstall shows off the new full-screen mode in Mobile Safari as well as iCloud Tabs and VIPs in the Mail app.<br /><br />Forstall then turned his attention to Passbook, the latest built-in app for iOS 6, which will hold reward cards, e-tickets and more. Photo Stream sharing also got a quick demo before Forstall demonstrated some new features in Siri.<br /><br />In addition to sports scores and standings, iOS 6 introduces movies to the virtual assistant. The technology also seems to be faster at responding, with the ability to post spoken updates to Facebook with ease.<br /><br />Forstall closes up his iOS 6 demo by promising "great enhancements for accessibility" before turning the stage back over to senior VP of marketing Phil Schiller.<br /><br />Following pricing and availability on the iPhone 5, Schiller then announced a <a href="http://www.apple.com/ios/" target="_blank">September 19 release date for iOS 6</a>, which will be a free upgrade for users of compatible devices, including the iPhone 3GS or higher, fourth-generation iPod touch and iPad 2 or higher.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/scott_forstall_shows_ios_6_available_september_19#commentsNews3D mapsApple Inc.GPS NavigationiOS 6Mapsmedia eventSan FranciscoScott ForstallYerba Buena centeriPadiPhoneiPodWed, 12 Sep 2012 17:45:46 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15039 at http://www.maclife.comNokia Introduces Lumia 920 with PureMotion HD+ Display Technologyhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/nokia_introduces_lumia_920_puremotion_hd_display_technology
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/nokia_lumia_920_200px.png" alt="Nokia Lumia 920" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Nokia CEO Stephen Elop hit the stage in New York City on Wednesday morning in a joint event co-hosted with Microsoft to announce the next generation of Windows Phone devices.<br /><br /><a href="http://conversations.nokia.com/2012/09/05/video-introducing-the-nokia-lumia-920/" target="_blank">Nokia has announced the next phase of its Windows Phone strategy</a> during a media event held jointly with Microsoft on Wednesday morning in New York City. Following a recap by CEO Stephen Elop, Nokia vice president Jo Harlow took the stage to kick off the day's announcements.<br /><br />As rumored in recent days, the Nokia Lumia 920 is indeed real, and Harlow calls it "the most innovative smartphone in the world." Including a PureView camera for taking the best pictures and videos with the advanced Nokia mapping experience, the Lumia 920 also introduces wireless charging to the product line.<br /><br />Harlow spent a good deal of time touting the Lumia 920's PureView technology, which offers major improvements to how photos and video are shot, including shutter and stabilization enhancements. Nokia Maps, Transport and Drive are also being upgraded with offline maps as a key feature of the Lumia experience, adding Nokia City Lens to see the names of businesses just by pointing the smartphone camera at any location.<br /><br />PureMotion HD+ is also being incorporated into the Lumia 920 display, adding blur-free scrolling on the handset's 4.5-inch curved screen and even better ClearBlack clarity using smart polarizers for viewing the screen even in direct sunlight.<br /><br />Featuring a 2000mAh battery coupled with the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, the Lumia 920 is touted as being up to 30 percent more efficient than other quad-core handsets. Nokia is also teaming with Virgin Mobile and Coffee Bean &amp; Tea Leaf outlets so customers can use wireless charging while on the go.<br /><br />Microsoft corporate vice president Joe Belfiore wrapped up the Nokia Lumia 920 presentation with a demo of Windows Phone 8 features using the latest handset. Nokia also announced a Lumia 820 will be released featuring many of the same technologies introduced with the Lumia 920, but aimed at budget users.<br /><br />Nokia declined to announce specific pricing or release dates at today's media event, although Windows Phone 8 is expected to arrive in late October alongside Windows 8.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/nokia_introduces_lumia_920_puremotion_hd_display_technology#commentsNewsLumia 920media eventMicrosoftNew York CitynokiaPureMotion HD PlusPureViewWindows Phone 8Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:36:27 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14976 at http://www.maclife.comNokia Warns Samsung of Next-Gen Lumia Ahead of Windows Phone Eventhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/nokia_warns_samsung_nextgen_lumia_ahead_windows_phone_event
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/nokia_lumia_900_200px.png" alt="Nokia Lumia 900" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Finland cell phone giant Nokia may be down, but they're certainly not out quite yet. The company's sales and marketing VP has even taken to Twitter to trash talk rival Samsung ahead of a Windows Phone event coming September 5.<br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/8/15/3244849/nokia-microsoft-windows-8-press-event-september-5th" target="_blank"><br />The Verge is reporting</a> that Nokia and Microsoft are holding a joint Windows Phone event on September 5 in New York City, and most everyone expects the Finnish smartphone maker to unveil its latest Lumia handsets sporting Redmond's new Windows Phone 8 at the pow-wow.<br /><br />As if to hammer home that point, <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/8/16/3246517/nokias-chris-weber-samsung-trash-talk" target="_blank">Nokia executive VP of sales and marketing put rival Samsung on notice Thursday morning</a> in the one place sure to get everyone's attention.<br /><br />"Samsung take note, next generation Lumia coming soon," Weber's post on Twitter reads.<br /><br />As the report notes, it's kind of a no-no for smartphone rivals to directly trash talk each other in public, so Nokia must be feeling pretty confident about what it has to show off in less than three short weeks.<br /><br />Not long ago, Nokia was the dominant cell phone maker worldwide, a position now held by Samsung with 32.6 percent compared to Nokia's modest 6.5 percent share. So while Apple is attacking Sammy in court, it seems Nokia is planning to take their own assault to the streets. This should be interesting!<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/nokia_warns_samsung_nextgen_lumia_ahead_windows_phone_event#commentsNewsLumiamarketsharemedia eventnokianokia lumiaSamsungsmartphonestweetsTwitterWindows Phone 8Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:30:22 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14816 at http://www.maclife.comMicrosoft “Major” Event Monday, Act Surprised When They Announce a Tablethttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsoft_%E2%80%9Cmajor%E2%80%9D_event_monday_act_surprised_when_they_announce_tablet
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/steve_ballmer_with_windows_tablet_200px.png" alt="Steve Ballmer holds Windows tablet" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Apparently tired of watching Apple have all the fun (and make all the money) with tablets, Microsoft is holding an event on Monday where they’re expected to announce one of their own, kicking sand in the faces of OEM partners worldwide.<br /><br /><a href="http://allthingsd.com/20120614/microsoft-taking-direct-aim-at-the-ipad-but-questions-loom-large/" target="_blank">AllThingsD is reporting</a> that Microsoft’s “major” event in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon will unveil a new “tablet strategy” -- as in, Redmond will announce the company is actually manufacturing their own tablets to complete with Apple’s iPad.<br /><br />“Sources say that Microsoft concluded that it needs its own tablet, with the company designing both the hardware and software in an effort to better compete against Apple’s strengths,” the report reveals. “Microsoft’s tablets may include machines running ARM-based processors as well as models running on traditional PC processors, sources said.<br /><br />“The move could allow Microsoft to better match Apple’s tight integration, but it is also fraught with the potential for conflict,” the report continues. “Microsoft makes most of its money from Windows and Office, and depends on an ecosystem of PC makers like Dell, HP, Acer and Lenovo to make those Windows-based machines.”<br /><br />And yes, those same companies have already been developing Windows 8 and Windows RT-based tablets of their own, which can’t exactly sit well with companies used to having Redmond dictate the software while they take care of the rest.<br /><br />Of course, we’ve also heard the same rumors about Google, who is said to have a Nexus-branded Android tablet of their own that could be unveiled as early as the end of the month at their I/O developer conference.<br /><br />Steve Jobs would have loved the irony: After years of Microsoft playing the software-only card and dominating the PC market, the iPad comes along and has Redmond again scrambling to get back into the hardware business. Remember the last time Microsoft played catch up with Apple on hardware? (Spoiler: It was the Zune, and we all know how that turned out.)<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsoft_%E2%80%9Cmajor%E2%80%9D_event_monday_act_surprised_when_they_announce_tablet#commentsNewsandroidGooglehardwaremedia eventMicrosoftOEMpartnershipstablet marketWindows 8Windows RTzuneiPadFri, 15 Jun 2012 11:51:38 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14340 at http://www.maclife.com